Remote profile modification for device recovery assist

ABSTRACT

A system is provided for recovering a mobile device by enabling an authorized user to remotely change the profile of the device to assist others in returning the device to the user. Initially, a user registers the mobile device with a recovery assist server. When the user is unable to locate the device because it is, for example, lost or stolen, the user indicates with the server that the device is missing. The device and the server are configured to communicate with each other, for example, periodically or, in another example, on device start up. If the device is identified as missing on the server, the operation of the mobile device is configured based on a missing profile associated with the mobile device. Once the device is located, the user indicates with the server that the device is no longer missing. When the device is unidentified as missing on the server, the operation of the mobile device is configured based on a user profile associated with the mobile device. When the mobile device is configured based on the missing profile, the mobile device may, for example, display a background image or play a ring tone to inform persons near the device that the device is considered mislaid and to provide such persons with information for returning the device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system for assisting aperson in returning a mobile device which is mislaid and, in particularbut not exclusively, to changing the profile of the mobile deviceremotely to assist a person in returning the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When someone discovers an unattended mobile device, that person may beconfused as to the status of the device. For example, the mobile devicemay be lost, or alternatively, the owner of the device may be nearby andwill return shortly after having left the device temporarily unattended.Accordingly, it may be unclear whether the device is considered lost byits owner. Furthermore, if the person wishes to return the device to itsowner, the person must proactively attempt to gather information aboutthe owner to determine how and where to return the device. In somecircumstances, information about the owner may not be readily availablefrom the device, for example, because access to the device is protectedby a password.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings,like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will bemade to the following Detailed Description Of The Embodiments, which isto be read in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary system inwhich the invention may be practiced;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an exemplarymobile device;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an exemplarynetwork device;

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary user interface of a mobile device forassisting a person in returning the device to an authorized user;

FIG. 4B illustrates another exemplary user interface of a mobile devicefor assisting a person in returning the device to an authorized user;

FIG. 4C illustrates yet another exemplary user interface of a mobiledevice for assisting a person in returning the device to an authorizeduser;

FIG. 5A is a flow chart of an exemplary process for a system forconfiguring a mobile device remotely to assist a person in returning themobile device to an authorized user;

FIG. 5B is a flow chart of an exemplary process for configuring a mobiledevice to assist a person in returning the mobile device to anauthorized user; and

FIG. 5C is a flow chart of an exemplary process for a system forassisting a person in returning a mobile device to an authorized userthrough an intermediary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments bywhich the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.Among other things, the present invention may be embodied as methods ordevices. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of anentirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or anembodiment combining software and hardware aspects. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein doesnot necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may.Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

As used herein, the term “receiving” an item, such as a request,response, or other message, from a device or component includesreceiving the message indirectly, such as when forwarded by one or moreother devices or components. Similarly, “sending” an item to a device orcomponent includes sending the item indirectly, such as when forwardedby one or more other devices or components.

As used herein, the term “mobile client application” refers to anapplication that runs on a mobile device. A mobile client applicationmay be written in one or more of a variety of languages, such as C, C++,J2ME, Brew, Java, and the like. Browsers, email clients, text messagingclients, calendars, and games are examples of mobile clientapplications.

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed toward a system forrecovering a mobile device by enabling an authorized user to remotelychange the profile of the device to assist others in returning thedevice to the user. Initially, a user registers the mobile device with arecovery assist server. When the user is unable to locate the devicebecause it is, for example, lost or stolen, the user indicates with theserver that the device is missing. The device and the server areconfigured to communicate with each other, for example, periodically or,in another example, on device start up. If the device is identified asmissing on the server, the operation of the mobile device is configuredbased on a missing profile associated with the mobile device. Once thedevice is located, the user indicates with the server that the device isno longer missing. When the device is unidentified as missing on theserver, the operation of the mobile device is configured based on a userprofile associated with the mobile device. When the mobile device isconfigured based on the missing profile, the mobile device may, forexample, display a background image or play a ring tone to informpersons near the device that the device is considered mislaid and toprovide such persons with information for returning the device.

A profile of a mobile device specifies a configuration for customizingthe operation of the mobile device. In at least one or more embodiments,a profile includes a collection of one or more settings for configuringthe operation of the mobile device. In at least one or more embodiments,a profile includes one or more files such as, for example, an imagefile, an audio file, a data file, an executable file, a script file, andthe like for configuring the operation of a mobile device. In at leastone or more embodiments, one or more profiles can be stored on themobile device and utilized to configure the mobile device. In at leastone or more embodiments, one or more profiles can be stored on a serverand a profile can be downloaded from the server onto the mobile deviceto configure the mobile device.

In at least one or more embodiments, one or more profiles are associatedwith a mobile device including a user profile and a missing profile. Auser profile specifies a configuration for the operation of the mobiledevice preferred by a user. A user profile can specify a defaultconfiguration or a factory configuration specified by the manufacturerof the mobile device, a configuration customized by the user, and thelike. A missing profile specifies a configuration for the operation ofthe mobile device that is suitable for aiding others in returning themobile device to the user.

In at least one or more embodiments, a missing profile specifies aconfiguration of a mobile device which displays an image on a display ofthe device to assist others in returning the device to the user. Animage can be a background image, a screen saver, a startup image, andthe like. Also, in at least one or more embodiments, the image includesa notice that the mobile device is mislaid. Further, in at least one ormore embodiments, the image includes return information such as, forexample, a street address, a telephone number, an email address, a nameof a contact, and the like for returning the device. Additionally,return information can be associated with an authorized user, an entityassociated with the server, a police station, a post office, a post box,and other persons/entities/things which can be helpful in returning thedevice to the user.

In at least one or more embodiments, an image, which is displayed when amobile device is configured based on a missing profile, can includereturn information in the form of geographic information such as a map,directions to a location, and the like to assist others in returning thedevice to the user. When the mobile device is capable of determining itsproximate location through, for example, the use of a location servicesuch as a Global Position System (GPS), the geographic information canbe based on the proximate location of the mobile device. For example, amap can be displayed indicating one or more of the closest policestations near the proximate location of the mobile device.

In at least one or more embodiments, a missing profile specifies aconfiguration of a mobile device which plays an audio on a speaker ofthe device to assist others in returning the device to the user. Anaudio can be a ring tone, a startup sound, a background music, and thelike. For example, a missing profile can configure a mobile devicehaving phone capabilities to play a ring tone at maximum volume whichannounces that the device is lost or stolen and provides returninformation whenever a call is received on the mobile device. In anotherexample, the missing profile can configure a mobile device to play anaudio requesting assistance in returning the device periodically, atstartup, continuously, and/or when someone attempts to access and/orutilize one or more capabilities of the device.

In at least one or more embodiments, a missing profile specifies aconfiguration of a mobile device which limits or locks the use of one ormore capabilities of the mobile device. Also, in at least one or moreembodiments, limiting or locking the device can involve preventingaccess, disabling, and/or restricting the use of some or all of thefeatures of a capability of the mobile device. For example, a missingprofile can configure a mobile device to require a password to access orutilize one or more of its capabilities. In another example, a missingprofile can configure a mobile device with voice communicationcapabilities to limit the use of the voice communication capabilitiesfor contacting one or more members of a select group, which can include,for example, an authorized user, an entity associated with the server,an emergency service, or the like. An emergency service can include, forexample, a 9-1-1 emergency response service, a police department, a firedepartment, an ambulance service, and the like.

In at least one or more embodiments, a missing profile specifies aconfiguration of a mobile device which reduces the amount of powerconsumed by the mobile device when it is operating on batteries. Byreducing power consumption, the duration in which the device can assistothers in returning the device is extended. For example, a missingprofile can configure a mobile device to dim its display or otherwiseconfigure its components to operate in a manner that consumes lesspower. Also, in at least one or more embodiments, the mobile device canturn off or disable one or more components to consume less power. Forexample, in a mobile device which can selectively disable its GPS, WLAN,GSM, or DVD modules, a missing profile con configure the mobile deviceto disable one or more of such modules to reduce power consumption.

In at least one or more embodiments, an interface is provided to enablea user to register the mobile device with the server. For example, anonline web interface associated with the server is provided to enablethe user to register the mobile device from a browser on the mobiledevice and/or from a browser on a separate device. In another example,the mobile device can be registered by speaking with a customerrepresentative of an entity that is associated with the server. Also, inat least one or more embodiments, an application is made available fordownloading onto the mobile device to enable the mobile device tocommunicate and/or register with the server.

In at least one or more embodiments, a confirmation request is sent tothe mobile device from the server to request confirmation from the userthat the device is to be registered. Also, in at least one or moreembodiments, a confirmation is provided to the server from the device atthe direction of the user to complete the registration. For example, theserver may send a Short Message Service (SMS) message to the mobiledevice to request confirmation that the device is to be registered. Inanother example, the user can send a SMS message from the mobile deviceto the server to confirm and complete the registration.

In at least one or more embodiments, an interface is provided to enablethe user to indicate to the server that the registered mobile device ismissing. For example, an online web interface associated with the serveris provided to enable the user to identify with the server that theregistered mobile device is missing. In another example, the user cancommunicate with a customer representative of an entity associated withthe server to identify the registered mobile device as missing. Also, inat least one or more embodiments, an interface is provided to enable theuser to specify a missing profile for the registered mobile device.Further, in at least one or more embodiments, an interface is providedto enable the user to specify the return information that is provided onthe mobile device when the operation of the mobile device is configuredbased on the missing profile. Additionally, in at least one or moreembodiments, an interface is provided to enable the user to indicate tothe server that the registered mobile device is no longer missing.

In at least one or more embodiments, a registered mobile device isconfigured to communicate with the server so that the operation of themobile device can be configured if the device is identified orunidentified as missing. Also, in at least one or more embodiments, theregistered mobile device is configured to communicate with the server ondevice startup, periodically, when the power state of the mobile devicechanges such as, for example, when the device starts or stops beingrecharged, and/or when someone attempts to access and/or utilize one ormore capabilities of the device. Further, in at least one or moreembodiments, the registered mobile device is configured to communicatewith the server when the device gains access to a new network or regainsaccess to a network in which access was lost. Additionally, in at leastone or more embodiments, the server is configured to communicate withthe device when the device is identified or unidentified as missing,periodically and/or at the direction of the user.

In at least one or more embodiments, a registered mobile device and/orserver saves the current user profile of the mobile device if theregistered mobile device is identified as missing on the server. Also,in at least one or more embodiments, the registered mobile devicerestores the configuration of the mobile device to the saved userprofile if the registered mobile device is unidentified as missing.

In at least one or more embodiments, when the operation of the mobiledevice is configured based on the missing profile, the mobile deviceprovides return information associated with an intermediary. Anintermediary is someone other than the user and can include, forexample, an entity associated with the server. Also, in at least one ormore embodiments, the intermediary upon receiving the device providesthe device to the user. For example, rather than providing personalinformation about the user, return information for an intermediary isprovided instead. Once the intermediary receives the mislaid mobiledevice, the intermediary forwards the mobile device to the user.Accordingly, personal information about the user is kept private and notprovided to those who assist in returning the device.

In at least one or more embodiments, an online platform for enabling theinvention can be arranged to operate as a system in one or more local orremote environments, including peer to peer, client-server, stand aloneapplication, web based service, and/or the like. Also, the onlineplatform can be accessed by users, customers, and third parties, withone or more different types of computing devices, including, but notlimited to, personal computers, video game consoles, mobile telephones,smart watches, pagers, and/or personal digital assistants (PDA).

Illustrative Operating Environment

FIG. 1 shows components of one embodiment of an environment in which theinvention may be practiced. Not all the components may be required topractice the invention, and variations in the arrangement and type ofthe components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention. As shown, system 100 of FIG. 1 includes local areanetworks (“LANs”) wide area networks (“WANs”)-(network) 105, wirelessnetwork 110, third party server 106, website server 107, recovery assistserver 108, mobile (wireless) devices 102-104, and client device 101.

One embodiment of mobile devices 102-104 is described in more detailbelow in conjunction with FIG. 2. Generally, however, mobile devices102-104 may include virtually any portable computing device capable ofreceiving and sending a message over a network, such as network 105,wireless network 110, or the like. Mobile devices 102-104 may also bedescribed generally as client devices that are configured to beportable. Thus, mobile devices 102-104 may include virtually anyportable computing device capable of connecting to another computingdevice and receiving information. Such devices include portable devicessuch as, cellular telephones, smart phones, display pagers, radiofrequency (RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs), handheld computers, laptop computers, wearablecomputers, tablet computers, integrated devices combining one or more ofthe preceding devices, and the like. As such, mobile devices 102-104typically range widely in terms of capabilities and features. Forexample, a cell phone may have a numeric keypad and a few lines ofmonochrome display on which only text may be displayed. In anotherexample, a web-enabled mobile device may have a touch sensitive screen,a stylus, and several lines of a color display in which both text andgraphics may be displayed.

Client device 101 may include virtually any computing device capable ofcommunicating over a network to send and receive information, such asnetwork device 300 shown in FIG. 3, or the like. The set of such clientdevices may include devices that typically connect using a wired orwireless communications medium such as personal computers,multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, or the like.

Mobile devices 102-104 as well as client device 101 may further beconfigured to include a client application that enables an end-user tolog into a membership account on platform 112 that includes servers 106,107, and 108. Such an end-user membership account, for example, may beconfigured to enable one or more activities, including: enabling themember to send/receive messages with other members, non-members, and theplatform administrator(s); access content on selected web pages; accesschat rooms; access blogs; access reviews of products and services byindustry experts and/or other members; purchase products and/orservices; and try out available demonstrations for products/servicesprior to purchase. However, participation in at least some of theseactivities may also be performed without logging into the end-usermembership account. Additionally, mobile devices 102-104 may alsocommunicate with non-mobile (wired) client devices, such as clientdevice 101, or the like.

Wireless network 110 is configured to couple mobile devices 102-104 andits components with communication provided over network 105. Wirelessnetwork 110 may include any of a variety of wireless sub-networks thatmay further overlay stand-alone ad-hoc networks, and the like, toprovide an infrastructure-oriented connection for mobile devices102-104. Such sub-networks may include mesh networks, Wireless LAN(WLAN) networks, cellular networks, and the like.

Wireless network 110 may further employ a plurality of accesstechnologies including 2nd (2G), 3rd (3G), and 4th (4G) generation radioaccess for cellular systems, WLAN, WiMax, Wireless Router (WR) mesh, andthe like. Access technologies such as 2G, 3G, 3G, and future wirelessaccess networks may enable wide area coverage for mobile devices, suchas mobile devices 102-104 with various degrees of mobility. For example,wireless network 110 may enable a radio connection through a radionetwork access such as Global System for Mobile communication (GSM),General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment(EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Universal MobileTelephone System (UMTS), and the like. In essence, wireless network 110may include virtually any wireless communication mechanism by whichinformation may travel between mobile devices 102-104 and anothercomputing device, network, and the like.

Network 105 is configured to couple platform 112 and its servers withother computing devices, including, mobile devices 102-104, clientdevice 101, and through wireless network 110 to mobile devices 102-104.Network 105 is enabled to employ any form of computer readable media forcommunicating information from one electronic device to another. Also,network 105 can include the Internet in addition to local area networks(LANs), wide area networks (WANs), direct connections, such as through auniversal serial bus (USB) port, other forms of computer-readable media,or any combination thereof. On an interconnected set of LANs, includingthose based on differing architectures and protocols, a router acts as alink between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to another.Also, communication links within LANs typically include twisted wirepair or coaxial cable, while communication links between networks mayutilize analog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digitallines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks(ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links includingsatellite links, or other communications links known to those skilled inthe art. Furthermore, remote computers and other related electronicdevices could be remotely connected to either LANs or WANs via a modemand temporary telephone link. In essence, network 105 includes anycommunication method by which information may travel between platform112, client device 101, and other computing devices.

Additionally, communication media typically embodies processor-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in amodulated data signal such as a carrier wave, data signal, or othertransport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. Theterms “modulated data signal,” and “carrier-wave signal” includes asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information, instructions, data, and thelike, in the signal. By way of example, communication media includeswired media such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics, waveguides, and other wired media and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared, and other wireless media.

Platform 112 can also include a variety of services used to provideservices to remotely located members. Such services include, but are notlimited to web services, third-party services, audio services, videoservices, email services, Instant Messaging (IM) services, Short MessageService (SMS) services, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) services,Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services, video game services,blogs, chat rooms, gaming services, calendaring services, shoppingservices, photo services, or the like. Although FIG. 1 illustratesplatform 112 including servers 106, 107, and 108 as physically separatecomputing devices, the invention is not so limited. For example, one orall of the servers can be operated on one computing device, withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Also,devices that may operate as platform 112 include personal computersdesktop computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, servers, and the like.

Recovery assist server 108 represents an embodiment of a recovery assistserver of the present invention. Website server 107 and/or third partyserver 106 can act in conjunction with recovery assist server 108 toenable a user to register a mobile device, indicate that the mobiledevice is missing or no longer missing, specify one or more profiles ofthe mobile device, as well as perform other functions in accordance withthe present invention. Third party server 106 represents a server thatis associated with an entity separate from the entity associated withthe recovery assist, server 108. For example, third party server 106 canbe a server operated by a phone company providing an interface for itsclients to access recovery assist server 108, which is operated by aanother entity.

Illustrative Mobile Device

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of mobile device 200 that may be included ina system implementing the invention. Mobile device 200 may include manymore or less components than those shown in FIG. 2. However, thecomponents shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodimentfor practicing the present invention. Mobile device 200 may represent,for example, mobile devices 102-104 of FIG. 1.

As shown in the figure, mobile device 200 includes a processing unit(CPU) 222 in communication with a mass memory 230 via a bus 224. Mobiledevice 200 also includes a power supply 226, one or more networkinterfaces 250, an audio interface 252, a display 254, a keypad 256, anilluminator 258, an input/output interface 260, a haptic interface 262,and an optional global positioning systems (GPS) receiver 264. Powersupply 226 provides power to mobile device 200. A rechargeable ornon-rechargeable battery may be used to provide power. The power mayalso be provided by an external power source, such as an AC adapter or apowered docking cradle that supplements and/or recharges a battery.

Mobile device 200 may optionally communicate with a base station (notshown), or directly with another computing device. Network interface 250includes circuitry for coupling mobile device 200 to one or morenetworks, and is constructed for use with one or more communicationprotocols and technologies including, but not limited to, global systemfor mobile communication (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA),Wide CDMA (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Universal MobileTelephone Service (UMTS), user datagram protocol (UDP), transmissioncontrol protocol/Internet protocol (TCPIP), SMS, general packet radioservice (GPRS), WAP, ultra wide band (UWB), IEEE 802.16 WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), SIP/RTP, or any of avariety of other wireless communication protocols. Network interface 250is sometimes known as a transceiver, transceiving device, or networkinterface card (NIC).

Audio interface 252 is arranged to produce and receive audio signalssuch as the sound of a human voice. For example, audio interface 252 maybe coupled to a speaker and microphone (not shown) to enabletelecommunication with others and/or generate an audio acknowledgementfor some action. Display 254 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), gasplasma, light emitting diode (LED), or any other type of display usedwith a computing device. Display 254 may also include a touch sensitivescreen arranged to receive input from an object such as a stylus or adigit from a human hand.

Keypad 256 may comprise any input device arranged to receive input froma user. For example, keypad 256 may include a push button numeric dial,or a keyboard. Keypad 256 may also include command buttons that areassociated with selecting and sending images. Illuminator 258 mayprovide a status indication and/or provide light. Illuminator 258 mayremain active for specific periods of time or in response to events. Forexample, when illuminator 258 is active, it may backlight the buttons onkeypad 256 and stay on while the client device is powered. Also,illuminator 258 may backlight these buttons in various patterns whenparticular actions are performed, such as dialing another client device.Illuminator 258 may also cause light sources positioned within atransparent or translucent case of the client device to illuminate inresponse to actions.

Mobile device 200 also comprises input/output interface 260 forcommunicating with external devices, such as a headset, or other inputor output devices not shown in FIG. 2. Input/output interface 260 canutilize one or more communication technologies, such as USB, infrared,Bluetooth™, or the like. Haptic interface 262 is arranged to providetactile feedback to a user of the client device. For example, the hapticinterface may be employed to vibrate mobile device 200 in a particularway when another user of a computing device is calling.

Optional GPS transceiver 264 can determine the physical coordinates ofmobile device 200 on the surface of the Earth, which typically outputs alocation as latitude and longitude values. GPS transceiver 264 can alsoemploy other geo-positioning mechanisms, including, but not limited to,triangulation, assisted GPS (AGPS), E-OTD, CI, SAI, ETA, BSS or thelike, to further determine the physical location of mobile device 200 onthe surface of the Earth. It is understood that under differentconditions, GPS transceiver 264 can determine a physical location withinmillimeters for mobile device 200; and in other cases, the determinedphysical location may be less precise, such as within a meter orsignificantly greater distances. In one embodiment, however, mobiledevice may through other components, provide other information that maybe employed to determine a physical location of the device, includingfor example, a MAC address, IP address, or the like.

Mass memory 230 includes a RAM 232, a ROM 234, and other storage means.Mass memory 230 illustrates another example of computer storage mediafor storage of information such as processor readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other data. Mass memory 230 stores abasic input/output system (“BIOS”) 240 for controlling low-leveloperation of mobile device 200. The mass memory also stores an operatingsystem 241 for controlling the operation of mobile device 200. It willbe appreciated that this component may include a general purposeoperating system such as a version of UNIX, or LINUX™, or a specializedclient communication operating system such as Windows Mobile™, or theSymbian® operating system. The operating system may include, orinterface with a Java virtual machine module that enables control ofhardware components and/or operating system operations via Javaapplication programs.

Memory 230 further includes one or more data storage 244, which can beutilized by mobile device 200 to store, among other things, applications242 and/or other data. For example, data storage 244 may also beemployed to store information that describes various capabilities ofmobile device 200. The information may then be provided to anotherdevice based on any of a variety of events, including being sent as partof a header during a communication, sent upon request, or the like.

Applications 242 may include computer executable instructions which,when executed by mobile device 200, transmit, receive, and/or otherwiseprocess messages (e.g., SMS, MMS, IM, email, and/or other messages),audio, video, and enable telecommunication with another user of anotherclient device. Other examples of application programs include calendars,browsers, email clients, IM applications, SMS applications, VOIPapplications, contact managers, task managers, transcoders, databaseprograms, word processing programs, security applications, spreadsheetprograms, video games, gaming programs, search programs, shopping cartprograms, and so forth. Applications 242 may further include browser245. The browser application may be configured to receive and displaygraphics, text, multimedia, and the like, employing virtually any webbased language, including a wireless application protocol messages(WAP), and the like. In one embodiment, the browser application for themobile device is enabled to employ Handheld Device Markup Language(HDML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, StandardGeneralized Markup Language (SMGL), HyperText Markup Language (HTML),eXtensible Markup Language (XML), and the like, to display content andcommunicate messages.

Browser 245 may be configured to receive and enable a display ofrendered content provided by platform 112. Further, browser 245 enablesthe user of mobile device 200 to select different actions displayed bythe rendered content. In at least one embodiment, browser 245 enablesthe user to select one or more of a product to purchase, search forcontent and display the result, call another telephonic device, displayand respond to messages, or the like.

Illustrative Network Device

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a network device, according to oneembodiment of the invention. Network device 300 may include many more orless components than those shown. The components shown, however, aresufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing theinvention. Network device 300 may represent, for example, third partyserver 106, website server 107, recovery assist server 108, and/orclient device 101 of FIG. 1.

Network device 300 includes processing unit 312, video display adapter314, and a mass memory, all in communication with each other via bus322. The mass memory generally includes RAM 316, ROM 332, and one ormore permanent mass storage devices, such as hard disk drive 328,cd-rom/dvd-rom drive 326, tape drive, optical drive, and/or floppy diskdrive. The mass memory stores operating system 320 for controlling theoperation of network device 300. Any general-purpose operating systemmay be employed. Basic input/output system (“BIOS”) 318 is also providedfor controlling the low-level operation of network device 300. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, network device 300 also can communicate with theInternet, or some other communications network, via network interfaceunit 310, which is constructed for use with various communicationprotocols including the TCPIP protocol. Network interface unit 310 issometimes known as a transceiver, transceiving device, or networkinterface card (NIC). Network device 300 also comprises input/outputinterface 324 for communicating with external devices, such as a mouse,keyboard, headset, or other input or output devices not shown in FIG. 3.Input/output interface 324 can utilize one or more communicationtechnologies, such as USB, infrared, Bluetooth™, or the like.

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofprocessor-readable storage media. Processor readable storage media mayinclude volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas processor readable instructions, data structures, program modules,code, or other data. Examples of processor readable storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed and read by a processorfor a computing device.

The mass memory also stores program code and data. One or moreapplications 350 are loaded into mass memory and run on operating system320. Examples of application programs may include transcoders,schedulers, calendars, database programs, word processing programs, HTTPprograms, customizable user interface programs, IPSec applications,encryption programs, security programs, VPN programs, SMS messageservers, IM message servers, email servers, account management and soforth. Recovery assist server 354, website server 356, and third partyserver 352 may also be included as an application program withinapplications 350. When recovery assist server 354, website server 356,or third party server 352 is executing on network device 300, thenetwork device can represent recovery assist server 108, website server107, and third party server 106 respectively. Also, recovery assistserver 354, website server 356, and third party server 352 can beconfigured as a platform for enabling the performance of the presentinvention.

Illustrative User Interface

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary user interface 400 of a mobile devicefor assisting a person in returning the device to an authorized user. Asshown, in one section of the user interface, a notice is providedindicating that the device is considered missing because the device islost or stolen. In another section of the user interface, instructionsare provided informing persons who discover the device that one ofseveral speed dials can be pressed to contact the owner of the device,an emergency service, or another number to obtain additional informationfor returning the device.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary user interface 410 of a mobile devicefor assisting a person in returning the device to an authorized user. Asshown, in one section of the user interface, a notice is providedindicating that the device is considered missing because the device hasbeen misplaced. In another section of the user interface, a list ofnames and other contact information is provided to assist a person whodiscovers the device in returning the device.

FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary user interface 420 of a mobile devicefor assisting a person in returning the device to an authorized user. Asshown, in one section of the user interface, a notice is providedindicating that the device is considered missing because the device hasbeen misplaced. In another section of the user interface, a map isprovided to inform a person of one or more locations for returning thedevice.

Illustrative Flow Charts

FIG. 5A is a flow chart for an exemplary process 500 for configuring amobile device remotely to assist a person in returning the mobile deviceto an authorized user. Moving from a start block, the process steps toblock 502 where a user registers a mobile device with a recovery assistserver. In at least one or more embodiments, registration of the mobiledevice can require a creation of a user account with the server and/orassociating the mobile device with a user account.

Advancing to block 504, an interface is provided to enable the user toindicate to the server over a network that the registered mobile deviceis missing. Also, in at least one or more embodiments, an interface isprovided to the user to specify a missing profile for the mobile device.

Flowing to block 506, the mobile device and the server communicate overa network for purposes of configuring the mobile device. In at least oneor more embodiments, the mobile device can initiate a communication withthe server. Also, in at least one or more embodiments, the server caninitiate a communication with the mobile device.

Next, advancing to block 508, if the mobile device is identified asmissing on the server, the operation of the device is configured basedon a missing profile. An exemplary process for configuring the devicebased on a missing profile is described below with reference to FIG. 5B.Further, in at least one or more embodiments, a current user profile ofthe mobile device is saved on the mobile device and/or the server.

Moving to block 510, an interface is provided to enable the user toindicate to the server over a network that the registered mobile deviceis no longer missing.

Advancing to block 512, if the mobile device is unidentified as missingon the server, the operation of the device is configured based on a userprofile. Next, the process returns to performing other actions.

FIG. 5B is a flow chart of an exemplary process 520 for configuring amobile device to assist a person in returning the mobile device to anauthorized user. Moving from a start block, the process steps to block522 in which the use of one or more capabilities of the mobile device islimited. For example, access to photos on the mobile device can berestricted to require a password to protect the privacy of the user.

Advancing to block 524, an image is displayed on a display of the mobiledevice to provide notification that the device is considered mislaidand/or to provide return information to assist others in returning themobile device to the user.

Moving to block 526, an audio is played on a speaker of the mobiledevice to provide an audible notification that the device is consideredmislaid and/or to provide return information for assisting others inreturning the mobile device to the user. Next, the process returns toperforming other actions.

FIG. 5C is a flow chart for an exemplary process 540 for a system forassisting a person in returning a mobile device to an authorized userthrough an intermediary. Moving from a start block, the process steps toblock 542 where return information associated with an intermediary isprovided when the operation of the mobile device is configured based ona missing profile. An intermediary can be any entity other than theuser.

Flowing to block 544, utilizing the return information, the mobiledevice is provided to the intermediary by a person who discovers themobile device.

Advancing to block 546, the intermediary forwards the mobile device tothe user. Accordingly, process 540 enables the user to recover a mislaidmobile device without revealing any personal information to thosepersons who return the device. Next, the process returns to performingother actions.

It will be understood that each block of the above flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions.These program instructions may be provided to a processor to produce amachine, such that the instructions, which execute on the processor,create means for implementing the actions specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may be executed by aprocessor to cause a series of operational steps to be performed by theprocessor to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions executing on the processor provide steps for implementingthe actions listed in the flowcharts discussed above.

Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart illustrations support combinationsof means for performing the specified actions, combinations of steps forperforming the specified actions and program instruction means forperforming the specified actions. It will also be understood that eachblock of the flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based systems which perform the specified actions or steps, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however,be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to thespecific exemplary embodiments without departing from the broader spiritand scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method comprising: registering, via a computingdevice, a mobile device of a user by storing a missing profile for saidregistered mobile device, said missing profile comprising returninstructions for returning the mobile device to the user upon anindication that the mobile device is mislaid; determining, via thecomputing device, that the registered mobile device is mislaid, saiddetermination comprising identifying a location of the mislaidregistered mobile device; and in response to said determination,communicating, over a network, instructions to the registered mobiledevice to render the return instructions, wherein said rendering of thereturn instructions enable the registered mobile device to displaygeographic information based on said identified location.
 22. The methodof claim 21, wherein said geographic information comprises a map withdirections from the identified mislaid location to a specific location,said specific location being a location of an intermediary for receivingthe mislaid device and returning the mislaid device to the user.
 23. Themethod of claim 22, wherein said specific location is a locationspecified by user in the missing profile.
 24. The method of claim 22,wherein said specific location is a type of location specified by theuser in the missing profile.
 25. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising: determining a location having closest proximity to theidentified location of the mislaid device, wherein said geographicinformation is further based on said determined proximity location. 26.The method of claim 21, wherein said return instructions further enablethe mislaid registered mobile device to play audio via a speaker of themobile device, wherein said audio announces return information forreturning the mobile device to the user.
 27. The method of claim 21,wherein said communicating said instructions comprises facilitating saidmislaid mobile device to execute a program to render the returninstructions until the mislaid mobile device receives an indication thatthe device has been returned to the user.
 28. The method of claim 21,further comprising: in response to said determination that the mobiledevice is mislaid, locking the use of one or more capabilities of themobile device until the mislaid mobile device receives an indicationthat the device has been returned to the user, said one or morecapabilities being defined by the missing profile.
 29. A non-transitoryprocessor-readable storage medium tangibly encoded withprocessor-executable instructions stored therein, which when executed byone or more processors, performs a method comprising: registering amobile device of a user by storing a missing profile for said registeredmobile device, said missing profile comprising return instructions forreturning the mobile device to the user upon an indication that themobile device is mislaid; determining that the registered mobile deviceis mislaid, said determination comprising identifying a location of themislaid registered mobile device; and in response to said determination,communicating, over a network, instructions to the registered mobiledevice to render the return instructions, wherein said rendering of thereturn instructions enable the registered mobile device to displaygeographic information based on said identified location.
 30. Thenon-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 29, whereinsaid geographic information comprises a map with directions from theidentified mislaid location to a specific location, said specificlocation being a location of an intermediary for receiving the mislaiddevice and returning the mislaid device to the user.
 31. Thenon-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 30, whereinsaid specific location is a location specified by user in the missingprofile.
 32. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium ofclaim 30, wherein said specific location is a type of location specifiedby the user in the missing profile.
 33. The non-transitoryprocessor-readable storage medium of claim 29, further comprising:determining a location having closest proximity to the identifiedlocation of the mislaid device, wherein said geographic information isfurther based on said determined proximity location.
 34. Thenon-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 29, whereinsaid return instructions further enable the mislaid registered mobiledevice to play audio via a speaker of the mobile device, wherein saidaudio announces return information for returning the mobile device tothe user.
 35. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium ofclaim 29, wherein said communicating said instructions comprisesfacilitating said mislaid mobile device to execute a program to renderthe return instructions until the mislaid mobile device receives anindication that the device has been returned to the user.
 36. Thenon-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 29, furthercomprising: in response to said determination that the mobile device ismislaid, locking the use of one or more capabilities of the mobiledevice until the mislaid mobile device receives an indication that thedevice has been returned to the user, said one or more capabilitiesbeing defined by the missing profile.
 37. A computing device comprising:a processor; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium fortangibly storing thereon program logic for execution by the processor,the program logic comprising: registration logic executed by theprocessor for registering a mobile device of a user by storing a missingprofile for said registered mobile device, said missing profilecomprising return instructions for returning the mobile device to theuser upon an indication that the mobile device is mislaid; determinationlogic executed by the processor for determining that the registeredmobile device is mislaid, said determination comprising identifying alocation of the mislaid registered mobile device; and communicationlogic executed by the processor for communicating, over a network,instructions to the registered mobile device to render the returninstructions in response to said determination, wherein said renderingof the return instructions enable the registered mobile device todisplay geographic information based on said identified location. 38.The computing device of claim 37, wherein said geographic informationcomprises a map with directions from the identified mislaid location toa specific location, said specific location being a location of anintermediary for receiving the mislaid device and returning the mislaiddevice to the user.
 39. The computing device of claim 37, furthercomprising: determination logic executed by the processor fordetermining a location having closest proximity to the identifiedlocation of the mislaid device, wherein said geographic information isfurther based on said determined proximity location.
 40. The computingdevice of claim 37, wherein said return instructions further enable themislaid registered mobile device to play audio via a speaker of themobile device, wherein said audio announces return information forreturning the mobile device to the user.